Portage County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Portage County, Wisconsin, had a population of 70,377. The racial composition was approximately 91.7% White, 3.3% Asian, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, and 2.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income was around $59,492, and about 11.3% of the population lived below the poverty line. The county's population density was roughly 97 people per square mile, covering a total area of 823 square miles.

As of 2023, Portage County, WI has a median home value of approximately $190,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $700 per month. The homeownership rate is about 67%. Housing units total around 31,000, with a vacancy rate below 6%. Mortgage interest rates average 3.5%, and property taxes are approximately 1.8% of property value. Affordable housing options and community development programs are available to support residents.

As of the most recent election data, Portage County, WI conducts various local, state, and federal elections. In the 2020 Presidential Election, Portage County recorded 36,375 votes, with Joe Biden receiving 57.4% (20,871 votes) and Donald Trump 40.4% (14,699 votes). For local elections, key races include the County Executive, County Board Supervisors, and Mayor. In the 2022 County Executive election, incumbent Chris Holman faced Steven Miner. Portage County Board has 25 seats, each representing specific districts, filled through elections every two years. Candidates for mayoral and other municipal roles vary by city within the county; the City of Stevens Point, for example, had Mike Wiza running for reelection as Mayor in 2022. For updated details and upcoming election information, including candidate filings and exact dates, visit the Portage County Clerk's official website or contact the Portage County Elections Office.

Portage County, WI, demonstrates a relatively educated population. As of the latest data, around 92.2% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, which is slightly below the national average of 93% (2021 data). About 35.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average of 33.1% and the Wisconsin state average of 30.1%.

This suggests that while high school completion rates are marginally lower than the national average, higher education attainment surpasses both national and state averages, indicating a strong focus on higher education in the county.

As of the latest data, Portage County, WI, has a labor force participation rate of around 67%, with an unemployment rate of approximately 3.0%, slightly below the national average of 3.7% and Wisconsin's state average of 3.4%.

Key industries in Portage County include:

1. Manufacturing: Employs about 25% of the workforce, compared to the national average of 8.5%.
2. Education and Health Services: Employs about 20%, similar to the national average of 15.5% and above Wisconsin's average of 16%.
3. Retail Trade: Represents around 15% of local employment, above the national average of 10%.
4. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting: A relatively significant sector, emphasizing the region's rural characteristics, employing around 5%, compared to the national average of 1.5%.

These figures highlight Portage County’s strengths in manufacturing and agricultural sectors compared to broader state and national trends.

As of recent data, the average household income in Portage County, WI is about $64,907. This figure falls below both the national and state averages. For comparison, the average household income in the United States is approximately $68,700, while in Wisconsin, the average is around $66,432.

Below is a summary table for easy reference:

While Portage County's average income is relatively close to state and national figures, it remains modestly lower than both.

As of the most recent data, Portage County, Wisconsin, generally exhibits lower crime rates compared to national averages. The county's crime rate per 1,000 residents includes both violent and property crimes.

Crime Statistics Table (per 1,000 residents)

Summary

Violent crimes, including homicide, rape, robbery, and assault, total 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crimes, including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, total 10.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. The overall crime rate in Port